Benefits of therapy, even without crisis

Humans are conditioned to respond to a crisis, to act when something goes wrong. But what about the more subtle forms of distress - the quiet desperation of not being able to manage discontent, a problematic pattern in our relationships that has been noticed, or the simple but vexing human questions that aren't born of a problem that is life-threatening? 

While some who consider psychotherapy a ‘last resort’ may go to some lengths to try and avoid being in a therapy space, for others, it is not a matter of reaching for help during a crisis but a resource they could draw on to live a more fulfilling life.

In the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)’s 2024 Public Perceptions Survey, more than one-third of clients sought therapy for confidence, self-esteem, and support, indicating increasing demand for non-crisis support. Outside the NHS system in the UK, for example, there are therapists who support a wide range of topics such as personal development and spirituality.

Frustrations of getting stuck on an NHS waiting list

For those seeking counselling support within the NHS, which primarily focuses on anxiety or depression, your GP is typically the first port of call to assess your needs and refer you to the appropriate service. Adults may also be able to self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies through the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) without a GP referral – however, this would only be crisis support and depend on the specific region and the local NHS service.

While there is no cost to access the service, the limitation on what you can seek therapy for and the possibility of long waiting times can be major deterrents. It is usual to receive their first appointment for NHS Talking Therapies within six weeks of referral, but it may take several months in some cases. It is therefore no surprise that this can be discouraging for those seeking counselling for non-crisis support.

The case for privately funded therapy

For those who need more immediate support for non-crisis but nevertheless important phases in life, private therapy can be a more viable option.  This means the therapy space can be utilised in different ways by people with diverse needs and does not need to be considered as necessarily a component of the medical model.

Some people may group psychotherapy alongside healthcare professionals, as there might be psychological reasons which are affecting their mental health, like physical symptoms that affect the body. However, people may use psychotherapy offered in private practice for reasons beyond a psychological breakdown, such as understanding themselves better or simply wanting a place to talk without judgement. In this case, the therapy space itself is transformed to suit the individual as a confidential space for introspection and self-exploration.

More choice and overcoming common resistances

The wider range of therapists available in private practice means that potential clients have the option of selecting a therapist that may suit them best, rather than have a therapist ‘assigned’ to them through the NHS system.

Before you take the leap to reach out to a therapist, there might be common resistances to be overcome, such as the belief that “There are people who are much worse off than me” and wanting to handle things by yourself because being in therapy itself is perceived as an indication of out-of-control trauma or serious mental illness. This can feed into some prevailing narratives that seeking help is a sign of weakness in a world that values self-reliance and strength. This means that by not being in therapy, you are attempting to prove you are ok – and saving some time and money in the process – although the reality could be no further from the truth.

Navigating the first step

If not prescribed by a healthcare professional, the timing of when a person is ready to access non-crisis therapy can vary greatly. There will be some who have considered therapy many times but never ended up in a therapy space. For others, knowing what they need support with specifically might be difficult to articulate, as topics may span multiple issues, which may be distinct or related. For these people, private therapy may be a better option than accessing support through the NHS system.

Private therapists often offer sessions on an open-ended basis, meaning that you are able to move at your own pace and bring in additional issues to those that you initially presented, when you are ready to disclose them. This can also depend on the trust you have formed with your therapist and the therapeutic alliance built.

For those wondering whether therapy might help, considering therapy as a personal investment, not a sign of having failed, may help ultimately signing up for therapy. This perspective can help those who are concerned that acknowledging they need support in their life is overindulgent – especially if they already have a life that appears without want externally.

While not everybody needs therapy, some are willing to make the financial commitment needed to introspect - to thrive in life rather than survive - and at least for that group, the pros of being in therapy outweigh the cons. That human curiosity experienced might very well be a sign that there is something worthy of unpacking in a therapy space.